Francesco Schettino was sentenced to 16 years -- 10 for manslaughter, five for causing a maritime disaster, one for abandoning his passengers on the Costa Concordia. While many feel the sentence itself is non coraggioso -- tentative -- what they find truly shameful is that as long as his sentence is under appeal, Schettino will not go to prison.

Like all forms of luxury travel, a cruise isn't inherently dangerous. But these days, buyers need to be more aware than ever when making their cruise purchase. My advice when someone asks about going on a multi-day cruise aboard a mega-liner is always the same: Don't go.

I like being pampered and spoiled as much as the next vacationer. Knowing that my every need will be catered to at a moment's notice is something I could get used to very quickly. And I can understand why so many people call cruise ships the experience of a lifetime. But here are some tips so that you don't go overboard when it comes to calories!

I'll wager the captain of the sunken Italian cruise ship, Francesco Schettino, rose quickly through the ranks not because he was a fine captain, but was privileged with family connections in the naval business. When looking for work, family connections and status in Italy are more important than competence.